Gathering time

During the early October snowstorm, I searched high and low for my snow pants. After my recent address change and full downsize, I have come to realize that much of what I could count on for seasonal change has either been given away, tossed, or is packed in a box somewhere, who knows where. So I sat down and ordered some winter outerclothes to prepare for the next season. Here in New England, we get to change things up 4 times. The change from fall to winter includes getting out the heavy boots, knit hats, and sadly putting away that final t-shirt and those beloved flip-flops until the thermometer breaks 60 again. In the gardens, the final harvest has been made in my yard. There are a couple of lingering pumpkins trying to turn orange that may become our Thanksgiving pie. The compost is spread and it is ready to rest for the winter. But the outdoor work is not done; it is gathering time. Pine boughs, red berries, sticks to paint, cones, clippings from beautiful ornamental shrubs…all have a place in the winter decor inside and out. With the pandemic nipping at our heels, inside gatherings are strongly prohibited…time to take a walk; invite a friend, your family, grab a basket and some clippers and go gathering, and perhaps enjoy a turkey sandwich and a slice of pumpkin pie in thanksgiving for one another, far and near, and for what nature has to offer us as we prepare for beauty in the next season.